Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I acknowledge there have been improvements since the reopening of the Garda training college, and there is a certain amount of catching-up that has to be done in regard to numbers due to the numbers of gardaí retiring and the large throughput at the college. I also acknowledge the increase in the budget and the target of increasing Garda numbers to 21,000 by 2021. I acknowledge that it takes time to put trained staff on the ground.

This is not a new problem. SIPTU has campaigned for 20 years for a dedicated transport police. I understand that Garda resources must be targeted and take account of developments nationally. That is why the time is right to have a conversation about a dedicated transport police. Having a Garda presence on our transport system will prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour. The number of unmanned train services has to be taken into consideration.

I am not thumping the table here and demanding immediate action. The Garda has demands on its time and must deploy resources as it sees fit. Our community policing has done a good service in many of our communities, where it has been dedicated to building relationships in the community. Similarly, a dedicated transport police could, with a clear focus on the transport authority, reduce anti-social behaviour and give confidence to customers travelling on trains at night, while also reassuring the workers. I hope this is the beginning of a conversation and that the Minister will find, when he examines this matter, that there are opportunities to improve the safety and security of citizens on public transport.